City Council to consider allowing cyclists in Anemone Hill area

Boulder City Council will consider a motion to amend the
West Trail Study Area Plan at a special meeting Oct. 25.

The
West TSA Plan involved the creation of two new trails in the Anemone Hill area
for pedestrians and equestrians. However, after acceptance of the plan, the
council directed Open Space and Mountain Parks to explore possibilities for a
bike loop or a bike trail within the Anemone area.

After
conducting a public hearing in August to discuss the trail designs, staff
requested that the Open Space Board of Trustees continue to recommend that
City Council support the original plan and not allow mountain biking in the
Anemone Hill area. However, the OSBT did not agree and passed a motion to amend
the West TSA Plan to include a loop for pedestrian, cycle and equestrian use.

City
Council will be discussing the recommendation of the OSMP and the Community
Collaborative Group, as well as the plan supported by the OSBT. The former
group supports the Anemone Hill trails designed for equestrians and
pedestrians, while the latter supports the creation of a loop open to cyclists
and a route providing access from the Anemone Hill area to Fourmile Canyon
Drive.

Opponents
of allowing cyclists in the area are concerned about the environmental effects
of granting access, as well as possible disturbances to neighbors due to
increased parking needs and traffic, and user conflict and displacement of
pedestrians and equestrians.

Proponents
of granting access to bikers argue that this will create greater economic
opportunities for downtown businesses since it could attract more out-of-town
visitors, the creation of these trails will draw visitors away from
environmentally sensitive areas, and allowing access will increase the quality
of life for Boulder cyclists.

The
Boulder Mountainbike Alliance supports the OSBT planned loop and the Fourmile
Canyon access route. The group argues that opening the Anemone Hill area to
cyclists will create a valuable recreational asset by filling the need for a
scenic bike trail close to the city. BMA also points out that the OSBT
recommendations will provide alternative routes restricted to hikers and
equestrians, should they want to avoid bikers. The group is urging supporters
of the amendments to either attend Tuesday’s meeting or email their opinions to
the council.

Funding
for the new trails will come from OSMP’s portion of the Colorado Lottery Funds.

The
public hearing regarding this proposal will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.